F1
Russell looks back on the accident with Verstappen: “I absolutely didn’t see him in my blind spot”
A small mistake that costs dearly for George Russell... © DPPI
George Russell didn't have such a bad race in Las Vegas, but the main feeling coming out of the Grand Prix was frustration. If the Briton crossed the finish line in 4th position, a five-second penalty relegated him to 8th place. The reason for this sanction? A clash between him and Max Verstappen, while the Dutchman attempted to overtake at turn 12.
Surprised by the pilot's maneuver Red Bull, George Russell simply admitted that he did not “absolutely not seen in the blind spot” of his Mercedes, taking the turn as if his opponent was not there. “I didn't expect the excess. I wasn't even really fighting him because we knew Max wasn't our race, we just had to keep our tires alive.", he added.
Max Verstappen 💥 George Russell 😳
The two drivers making contact in Vegas 🫣#LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/SJNsinjxfJ
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 19, 2023
Russell thought he was looking for a podium in Las Vegas
If this accident cost Max Verstappen almost nothing, apart from a few carbon elements on his front wing and lost tenths of a second, George Russell may have lost a podium in Las Vegas. “The only part damaged was the wheel cover, which probably would have helped with less graining by having a little more cooling, did he declare. If it hadn't been for the safety car, I would have continued and gotten on the podium. So I don't really know what to say. I'm just very frustrated with today and the season as a whole. I'm really unlucky! »
From a fourth place obtained on a regular basis – with an overtake in the last laps on Esteban Ocon – George Russell was finally ranked 8th, behind his teammate but above all, behind both Ferrari. A bad accounting operation in view of the Manufacturers' championship. “It was a comfortable podium that flew away, once again. So it’s a very disappointing season. It is very frustrating. And now, approaching Abu Dhabi, only a few points (4 points, Editor's note) separate us from Ferrari. »
ALSO READ > Verstappen equals Vettel after 'tough and lively race' in Las Vegas
Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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